BARCELONA'S plans to trump Chelsea and Manchester City to clinch the signature of £50million Brazilian star Neymar have taken a giant leap forward.

Top brass at the Catalan giants have started plans to put together a squad for next season and have prioritised signing a goalkeeper, a centre-half and a striker.

Chelsea moneyman Roman Abramovich and Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini are both fans of the Santos striker - but it appears Barca are leading the race to sign him.

Josep María Bartomeu, the club's sporting vice chairman, reiterated their interest in Neymar on Thursday and stated that some negotiations were at an advanced stage, although he wouldn't give precise details as to which ones.

Spanish newspaper Marca report that a transfer deal is "close to being agreed", meaning Chelsea and City will have to look elsewhere in their hunt for a frontman.